Fire Procedure and Policy – Nest in the Woods

Fire Procedure and Policy

As a forest school we recognise the value that controlled fires can bring to a session. However, the management of both the fire and safety of children is paramount. We therefore have procedures in place to keep both children and staff safe.

Please also see the Risk Benefit Analysis.

Using fire with children;

Children will be introduced to fire in a controlled and progressive way so that they learn about managing risk for themselves. They will learn to ensure the safety of both themselves and others by learning simple safety procedures under the close supervision of the forest school leader.

Fire pit safety circle;

A safety circle to be 2m radius from fire. This may be a permanent safety circle on site or marked by a safety rope.
Safety circle is supervised by a qualified forest school leader when fire is planned and lit.
No-one to cross the fire pit or lean over.
Only Forest school leader to give permission to enter the circle.
Children and adults must single knee kneel – respect position when inside the fire pit safety circle.
Children to be made aware of danger of being in close proximity to fire.
Children and adults to be made aware there may be embers around the fire hearth
Ensure children understand the danger of fires and safe practice with fire
Children to be supervised by the fire at all times
Children to be told they must not light fires when on their own
1:1 ratio of adults to children in close proximity to the fire i.e. when warming food over fire.

Managing a safe area

Ensure fire is of minimum required size and sufficient water is in place to extinguish the fire.
Ensure a fire blanket is avaliable.
Fire is managed constantly to ensure it does not become too big
Ensure fire is extinguished properly before leaving (dug over & ground temperature sufficiently lowered)
Ensure children remain outside the fire circle until the fire is properly extinguished and ground is safe (ground temperature sufficiently low)
Fire is never to be left unattended to ensure it does not become too big.
Extinguish fire if wind strengthens or erratically changes direction.
Only light fire in cleared area with no low overhanging branches.
Where the fire is covered, for example by tarp or tent, there must be adequate ventilation and air flow. On a tent the two ends should remain open. The material must be fire retardant. The material must be raised sufficiently above the fire based on its planned size.
When using the stove within the bell-tent a working carbon monoxide alarm must be present at all times. The stove must be maintained to ensure it is in good working order with clear flue. The entrance area must be clear to allow for swift evacuation if needed.

General fire safety

Fuel for the fire should be stored away from the fire safety area.
The area inside and adjacent to the fire area must be kept clear to ensure a clear route for evacuation is maintained.
When using wood, ensure it is a suitable type of tree for burning.
Wood should be dried before use to minimise smoke.
Fire gloves should be used when handling things placed onto the fire for protection.
Any combustibles should be stored away from the fire area until required.
Any ignition sources- e.g. flint and steel, matches must be stored out of reach of children away from the fire.
A first aid kit must be present when a fire is to be used.
Sufficient clean water should be present to ensure 1^st aid can be administered.
Forest school leader to have access to a mobile phone to call emergency services if required.
All staff will be aware of how to evacuate the area quickly and safely with the children if necessary.

Evacuation procedure in case of ‘out of control’ fire

One member of staff to be designated ‘last to leave’ to ensure that all children and adults have left the area.
Remaining staff to quickly and calmly remove children to a safe distance, as instructed by the leader, all equipment should be left behind. This distance should be constantly reassessed and action taken to stay a safe distance away.
Emergency services alerted.
All staff and children to remain at a safe distance until fire is extinguished and area is declared safe by emergency services.
Parents/carers to be notified and asked to collect children if necessary and when safe to do so. Otherwise staff remain responsible for children until it is safe.
Ofsted notified as per Statutory Framework for Early Years states.